The Perfect Candidate is a sweet, short story that is both fun and interesting to read. It is about a woman, Caroline Lakehurst, who jumped at the chance to manage her own marketing project team. She leapt at the chance before she really had a chance to consider everything else in her life, including her relationship with Joshua Walters. He’s someone she cares about but now she wonders if the large commitment she is making to the project team won’t take her away from Joshua more than she would like. Will their relationship be able to weather the demands of a rigorous job? That’s the dilemma Caroline wrestles with before her last interview and a date with Joshua.

While this story is short, there is some emotional depth to Caroline. It was interesting to watch her wrestle with a dilemma that many women face regarding careers and romance. She is an intelligent woman up for a good position but she wonders if it is the right thing for her at this point in her life. So many wonder the exact same thing. Caroline was written realistically enough that I think most women would readily identify with her. Tricia Ballad’s story is fast but fun and I greatly enjoyed reading it. It is the perfect way to spend the last few minutes of the lunch hour. That’s what I did, and I think it was time well spent!

Reviewed by: Marlene